Senior Manager: Public Policy and Research at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

The Senior Manager: Public Policy & Research is responsible for the implementation of the Group objectives on regulatory strategy and public policy issues including the protection and enhancement of MTN Groups reputation and the support of MTN Group’s growth objectives.

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

The Senior Manager: Public Policy & Research will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:

Drive the development and Implement Public Policy plans and strategies to strengthen the corporate image and reputation of MTN Group as a thought leader, breakthrough innovator, and a trusted partner

1. Assisting in the formulation and implementation of MTN Group’s public policy and regulatory affairs strategy.
2. Providing a political perspective to help develop thought leadership, engagement on public policy issues and to inform policy & regulatory briefings
3. Developing new ideas for the policy & regulatory engagement strategy
4. Maintain deep understanding of current issues in the environment affecting MTN Group and its brand;
5. Implement public affairs strategies that inform and shape belief, action, behaviour and advocacy to shape the external environment;
6. Position MTN on the relevant specific policy issues; build public policy capabilities within the OpCos;
7. Proactively engage, inform and influence key external stakeholders: issues important to MTN Group and its operations;
8. Develop relationships with key external stakeholders, including major trade associations;
9. Assess opportunities and organize proactive participation of company leadership in key events and forums
10. Provide operational support on regulatory matters to the different Opco’s
11. Proactive management of public policy issues affective the company;
12. Support Opcos in the fulfilment of their public policy and regulatory responsibilities;
13. Building relationships with policy makers and other relevant key stakeholders (e.g. government departments, regulatory bodies and agencies) in support of the group’s public policy and regulatory agenda (Stakeholder & Reputation Management);
14. Managing Group membership of Industry associations dealing with Public Policy and Research;
15. Developing and maintaining a structured research and analysis capability on pertinent regulatory issues affecting the business
16. Provide strategic input on legal regulatory and external affairs issues at group leadership level
17. Provide strategic support as requested or required on public policy and regulatory matters to the Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer.
18. Provide relevant public policy and regulatory input to Strategy and Business Development function on mergers, acquisitions and new business prospects.
19. Prepare board papers, strategies, plans and proposals for board / executive committee review.

Key Deliverables

1. Supporting the thought leadership agenda of MTN regarding regulatory matters which will include:
2. Responsibility for presenting feasible strategic options and recommendations to be adopted for requisite strategy and public policy positions at Group and Opco levels
3. Using research and various perspectives on regulatory issues to provide international, domestic and cross-industry regulatory benchmarking
4. Accountable for driving external regulatory benchmarking research and exercises for MTN Group and Opcos to ensure that regulatory perspectives are aligned to global industry standards and best practices
5. Using insight and analysis to provide recommendations for best practices to support regulatory strategy, positions and plans
6. Providing strategic guidance for Group Legal & Regulatory function by:
7. Preparing MTN’s position papers and guidance documents on key industry issues
8. Researching and preparing insights, reviews and materials relating to policy, regulatory and legislative developments at Opco levels including the requisite analyses
9. Being accountable for identifying policy, regulatory and legislative risks that could impact regulatory strategy and issues from across the MTN ecosystem and making recommendations for the mitigation of such risks
10. Supporting the development and strengthening of strategic relationships with government officials and third-party organizations, and educating and helping to shape strategic policy outcomes of importance to MTN’s customers
11. Monitoring policy and regulation developments issues related to key topics to advise on actions or necessary reactionary preparations
12. Operationalising the strategies across the Group
13. Supporting the requisite capacity building across the Group

Role Dependencies

1. Deep understanding of the MTN business strategy
2. Understanding of the business and regulatory context
3. Timely decision making and reporting
4. Alignment of OpCo and Group strategy initiatives

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education:

1. Degree (preferably in Law and public policy)
2. MPA or other related Masters qualification will be advantageous
3. Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body as required for role

Experience:

1. Minimum of 8 years working experience to include
2. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a regulatory affairs function/activity preferably in a Telecoms environment
3. 3 years management track record
4. 3 years relevant sector / industry/ area of specialisation – Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs etc.
5. Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous
6. Experience working in a medium to large organization

Competencies:

• Strategy Implementer, Decisive problem Solver, Best Practice Creator
• Culture and Change Champion, Guiding People Manager, Relationship Builder
• Results Achiever, Operationally Astute
• Other:
  • Regional and international travel